Thanks to Extended Education & Training, which opened registration for College for Kids last week, including a new option of full-day programming for first through sixth graders. In a community where child care demand outpaces supply, this offers families an important additional quality option for the summer months.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Remembrance: A community pays tribute to Jack Segal
Record-Eagle, Feb. 7
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To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
Submissions are open for the Spring 2026 issue of NMC Magazine which focuses on the evolution of an idea, highlighting the creative process and celebrating not just finished work, but the sketches, prototypes, mishaps and breakthroughs that shaped them. NMC students, employees and alumni can enter their submissions thru Saturday, February 21.
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information. Please complete a submission form for each entry.
In partnership with the NMC Foundation, an NMC Student Managed Investment Fund has been created to permit students to invest a portion of Foundation assets through their own efforts. This has been done to promote good financial stewardship and learning opportunities among the student population. The goals of the group are as follows:
If you know a student who might be interested in joining this group, please have them contact Steve Rice at srice@nmc.edu for more information.
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos to Shannah Vergote! Shannah expertly represented NMC Extended Education & Training in a live interview on Good Day Northern Michigan on Wednesday, January 28. Watch the interview here. Thank you, Shannah, for stepping in to showcase all of the fun summer learning that awaits our youngest Hawk Owls this year!
Kudos to the Facilities Grounds Team! For all of the hard work they do to maintain our roads and sidewalks.
Kudos to Anna Bachman and Lisa Boike! Lisa Boike and Anna Bachman finalized a report that they have been working on for Human Resources for some time. Thank you!
Kudos to Kristy Jackson! College for Kids registration for the 2026 season opened yesterday, February 2. Kristy Jackson, Program Manager with Extended Education & Training, has put together over 90 classes from “Bucket Drumming With the Archipelago Project,” to “Taylor Swift Bracelet Making Party,” to “Power Up! Hydraulics & Circuits,” to so much more! Kristy has collaborated with over 35 instructors—NMC staff, faculty and community members, including area K-12 teachers. Kristy worked with each instructor to extend the learning day to 3 hours per class for Grades 1-6 (camps run from 9-noon or 1-4 p.m.) Thank you, Kristy, for providing such high-interest, enriching summer camps here at NMC for our community’s youth.
Kudos to Krista McCarty! Krista McCarty, Marketing Coordinator under the Sixty by 30 initiative, developed and is now implementing the Work & Career Marketing Plan. She has put into motion several key strategies to reach the adult learner and industry partners. Information about the NoMI Attainment Collaborative, as well as entry points for students and industry partners seeking training opportunities, can now be found on a new website: www.NOMIAC.com. In addition to the website, regular E-newsletters are now reaching adult learners in our region. These promotional emails highlight learning pathways that build upon a person’s previous experience (when applicable), offer an affordable “next step” to upskilling, and lead to higher-paying, living-wage jobs in our region. LinkedIn and social media campaigns will continue to gain momentum and bring potential students to the next step in their learning and career pathways. The goals of the initiative are to promote the following: Pathways for high-wage fields, identify employers for upskilling opportunities, industry-informed educational programming and funnel students into the best fit for them: NMC, Extended Ed & Training or other education partners in the 10-county region. Thank you, Krista, for your dedication to this life-changing Sixty by 30 initiative!
Kudos to Heather VanStratt! Last month, Heather VanStratt, Grant Manager & Community Coordinator through the Sixty by 30 initiative, hosted a quarterly NoMI Attainment Collaborative (NOMIAC) meeting at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Thirty-six new and existing partners from the educational, community, and industry sectors engaged with recent metrics, event updates and unveiled prioritized strategic career pathways. Partners include Keen, War Bird, West Shore Community College, North Central Michigan College and more. Strategic Pathways include: Manufacturing; Business/Information Services, Healthcare; Energy, Transportation & Construction. Agriculture & Natural Resources and Education & Public Service. The collaborative is optimistic about current and future collaborations and events such as the Industry Navigator Lunch and Learn on Feb. 27 and participation in the Career & Majors Fair on April 10. The next NOMIAC in-person meeting is scheduled for April 23 at Baker College of Cadillac. Thank you, Heather, for your leadership and organization of the NoMI Attainment Collaborative and its initiatives!
Kudos to Emma Dyer, Chase Childers and Noah Thomas! I would like to express my gratitude for Emma Dyer, Chase Childers and Noah Thomas, all Flight Instructors for NMC, for their help with hosting the Cherry Festival’s Junior Royalty group! This event was to expose the children participating in Junior Royalty to aviation. Emma and Chase did a fantastic job demonstrating to these children how an airplane flies when each one had an opportunity to fly one of our flight simulators. Noah was demonstrating to these children how to preflight an airplane and showing them what all of the buttons and switches do in the cockpit. I wouldn’t have been able to host this group without the help of these three Flight Instructors so Kudos to you each!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
Don’t forget—the Campus Bookstore has a different sale every Thursday! Stop by to get great deals!
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these exclusive employee passes and browse classes for you and yours this winter!
Painting With Acrylics: Winter LandscapesThe colder months in northern Michigan are a winter wonderland! Learn how to create different shades and shapes that are specific to winter. Color mixing, color theory, and different brushes will also be discussed. Read more about Painting With Acrylics: Winter Landscapes.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $99)
Date Night: Sauvignon BlancSavor the refreshing, vibrant world of Sauvignon Blanc. This class celebrates the bright acidity and aromatic complexity of this popular white grape. Taste different expressions alongside perfectly matched snacks, guaranteed to awaken your palate. Read more about Date Night: Sauvignon Blanc.
Wednesday, Feb. 18; 6–7:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $46 for two people (Public price: $149)
Radar, Satellites, & Maps Oh My!Have you ever seen weather maps, radar, or satellite images and thought, “what in the world is that?” Over two classes, we will look at the imagery that meteorologists use to create a weather forecast. Read more about Radar, Satellites & Maps – Oh My!
Instructor: Tiffani Wilke
2 sessions; Fridays, Feb. 20 & 27; 1–3 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $99)
The next lunch and learn will be held at noon on Wednesday, February 11. Bring your lunch and join Brittany Hanbury on Zoom to explore the importance of carving out “me time” and getting creative. Together, we’ll discover free and easy ways to try new hobbies and explore the latest trends, including analog bags. There will also be a giveaway for a hobby starter kit—one lucky attendee will get the supplies needed to try three new hobbies including a Woobles crochet kit. This is event is open to all employees.
Questions? Email bhanbury@nmc.edu
We need your help! Click to view the list of photos needed of past NMC retirees for our 75th celebration. If you have photos of any of these retired employees, please scan or send links to Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu.
Photos will be added to the Awards & Recognition page on NMC’s website under the NMC Retiree Recognition section.
NMC is hosting several upcoming training opportunities for employes. Seats are limited! Register for all courses through NeoEd Training using these instructions. For questions, contact professionaldevelopmentinstitute@nmc.edu
Wednesday, February 11, 12–1 p.m.
Instructor: Alison Thornton
This hands-on course introduces Google Vids, an AI-powered video creation and editing application integrated with Google Workspace, to enhance teaching, professional development and campus communications. Participants will learn to quickly generate video drafts using Gemini AI from simple prompts or existing Drive documents, utilize built-in templates, record screen or camera content, integrate various media and employ editing tools for customizing and branding short-form video content up to 10 minutes in length, ultimately fostering more engaging and accessible learning experiences and internal announcements through streamlined video production.
Tuesday, February 17, 5–6 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205
Instructor: Eric Darling, Fife Lake Fire Chief
Learn how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. This is a non-certification training that will provide attendees with hands-on learning opportunities. For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
Wednesday, February 18, 3–4 p.m.
Instructor: Alison Thornton
Are you curious about AI and how it can help you? Learn about working with the AI Large Language Models (LLM’s like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.ai) to brainstorm, summarize, explain topics, find information on the web and respond to complex prompts. Come to this session where you will see a demonstration and get hands-on practice in AI Prompting!
Wednesday, February 25, 3–4 p.m.
Instructor: Alison Thornton
This advanced workshop is designed for employees who are already familiar with AI LLM’s and basic AI prompting but want to deepen their understanding of the newest developments in AI. Participants will explore powerful new tools and features—including Gemini Flash 2.5 Image, ChatGPT-5, Study and Learn, Agent Mode, storybooks, real-world applications that are reshaping education and productivity and other new launches. (Please take AI Prompting before signing up for this class or ask athornton@nmc.edu for a waiver, if you are familiar with AI Prompting.)
Monday, March 16, 4–6 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205
Instructor: Eric Darling, Fife Lake Fire Chief
When acts of violence occur, you can’t always wait for EMS to arrive. AVIRT Training was developed with law enforcement and medical experts to empower everyone to become an immediate responder. This course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to active violence and emergency situations. AVIRT teaches both active shooter response skills and emergency bleeding techniques. Certification period: 2 years. For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Chicken Gyros with grilled pita served with lemon rice and roasted fingerling potatoes
Falafel Gyros (V) with grilled pita served with lemon rice and roasted fingerling potatoes
Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas served with Spanish rice and refried beans
Roasted Poblano & Bean Quesadillas (V) served with Spanish rice and refried beans
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V) served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Food for the Soul
$6 for NMC Students & Staff, $12 for Community Members
Crispy Chicken with Buffalo sauce served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Battered Cauliflower Bites (V) served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Fiscal Year 2027 A3 Operational Plans are due Monday, Feb. 16. Please see the planning page for more information.
TRAVERSE CITY — Employers are now invited to register for NMC’s 2026 Career & Majors Fair, to be held 1-5 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Employer registration is $50 ($25 for non-profits) to host a table at the region’s only career fair, which utilizes a guided pathway format. Employers will be clustered with faculty and staff from NMC’s relevant academic areas to showcase how NMC programs can lead to employment opportunities in northern Michigan.
Several hundred students and community members are expected to attend. The fair will also showcase Michigan’s two 60 x 30 initiatives – the student scholarships aimed at helping the state reach the goal of 60 percent of adult residents earning a degree or certificate by 2030. The Michigan Reconnect scholarship offers free in-district tuition to students 25 and up who don’t already have a degree. The Community College Guarantee makes the same offer to students in the high school classes of 2025 and 2026.
The for-credit academic areas attending are:
The Career & Majors Fair will also feature a dedicated space for veterans and military members offering services such as resume review, as well as information from NMC’s Financial Aid and Extended Education and Training (noncredit) offices. It is free to attend. Shuttle service will be offered from NMC’s Front Street campus.
The event is presented in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest. Find out more, including the registration link, at nmc.edu/careerfair.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NMC Marine Technology students conduct sonar operations aboard the R/V Northwestern
February 4, 2026
Around the world, Detroit is synonymous with the automotive industry. Now, as Michigan sets its course for the maritime industry, NMC has become a key player in a region that will be vital to statewide success.
Last week the state released its first-ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, six draft goals to guide state policy and investment. NMC is one of just two Michigan community colleges called out in the report. NMC Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade participated in two input sessions and provided online input.
The Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Great Lakes Water Studies Institute each have a role in goal 4, “lead the nation in recruitment, training, and retention of the maritime workforce.” GLMA graduates pilot and maintain ships on the Great Lakes, while Marine Technology graduates work in hydrographic surveying, part of port inspections. The under-construction Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is ahead of the curve on goal 5, “cultivate a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem.”
“Northern Michigan has a lot of capabilities in a number of these goals,” Slade said. “I think it was critical that the strategy document listed the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center.”
Construction is on schedule for the anticipated spring 2027 opening of the $29.8 million collaborative blue tech innovation hub, with concrete work completed and steel delivery expected this month. One tenant, NV5, is confirmed. A second, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, which includes the Fishpass project underway in downtown Traverse City, is nearly finalized. NMC has partnered with Discovery Pier, Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms and Michigan Technological University to build FRIC. The state also invested $15 million in the 40,000 square-foot facility.
Projects like FRIC ultimately broaden Michigan’s economy.
“Michigan is prepared to lead the future of maritime innovation while protecting the waters that define us,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a news release accompanying the strategy. “The Michigan Maritime Strategy is a long-term plan for us to create good-paying local jobs and attract cutting-edge investments while protecting our Great Lakes.”
“It’s really a diversification to complement the auto industry,” Slade said. He added that NMC also brings experience and expertise on aerial mobility initiatives with drones, and can apply that to the new strategy.
“We have a reputation with the state for being at the forefront for mobility areas. We need to push that for maritime as well,” he said.
Public comment on the draft strategy is open until Feb. 27. The strategy is expected to be formally adopted later this year.
Dear colleagues,
I am writing today to share the news of the passing of Jack Segal, a deeply respected member of the NMC community whose influence extended well beyond our campus and into the life of our region.
Jack was a retired senior U.S. diplomat who served his country at the White House and in challenging overseas posts including Russia, Israel, Palestine, and Afghanistan. Of his many accomplishments, he took particular pride in being the primary author of the US-USSR Agreement on Nuclear Risk Reduction, and in his work as a negotiator of the START nuclear arms control treaty. With his wife Karen, they opened the first western diplomatic mission to the 40 million people of Central Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
For more than 15 years, Jack brought this experience as a senior U.S. diplomat and foreign service officer into our NMC classrooms and community learning spaces, teaching courses and leading conversations on world affairs through Extended Education & Training and the International Affairs Forum. Through his teaching, Jack helped students and community members alike understand global issues not as abstractions, but as human, complex, and consequential realities.
Jack was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam War. His military experience was life altering, both in terms of combat experience and in deciding to pursue a career in foreign diplomacy. He was a voice of calm reason through his 35 years as a diplomat, in part because he witnessed the ravages of war.
Jack and Karen co-led the International Affairs Forum through a period of significant growth. Under their leadership, IAF expanded its programming, partnerships and reach, strengthening civic dialogue across the region and elevating NMC’s role as a trusted convener of thoughtful conversation on national and global issues.
What defined Jack was not the prominence of the roles he held, but the humility and curiosity he brought to every interaction. Over a distinguished career, he served at the highest levels of the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council, and NATO. Yet he was always more interested in listening than in being recognized.
That commitment was evident earlier this month when Jack met with the International Affairs Forum Student Leadership Team. Rather than speaking at the students, he took time to speak with each of them individually, listening carefully and engaging with genuine interest. It was a simple moment that reflected a belief Jack carried throughout his life: that real understanding comes from listening to those closest to the work.
In 2024, Jack and Karen were named NMC Fellows, the college’s highest honor, in recognition of their extraordinary service, leadership and generosity. They have also been devoted supporters of the NMC Foundation for more than 15 years, investing in programs that strengthen learning, dialogue, and civic engagement.
Jack Segal believed deeply in education, public service, and the power of informed conversation. Northwestern Michigan College and the broader community it serves are better because of his presence, his leadership and his example.
On behalf of Northwestern Michigan College, I extend my deepest condolences to Karen, their family and all who were fortunate to learn from Jack, work alongside him or know him as a friend.
Jack’s full obituary, including service arrangements can be found here.
With appreciation,
Nick
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010